If you’ve got kids under 12, you already know: weekends aren’t a break, they’re just a different kind of chaos.

But Northern Virginia has some gems that make family time actually fun—without needing to pack snacks for 7 hours or spend $100 on bounce passes.

Whether your goal is to burn energy, dodge screen time, or just survive Sunday without another meltdown, here are the best kid-approved things to do this weekend in Northern VA.

🌳 Outdoor Spots That Don’t Involve Screaming

Burke Lake Park (Fairfax Station)

This one is basically parenting cheat mode.

• 🚂 Mini train ride = guaranteed smiles

• 🧺 Shaded picnic spots that even toddlers can handle

• 🚶 Paved walking trails perfect for strollers or little bikes

Local tip: Hit the playground first. Bribery works better after they’re tired.

Clemyjontri Park (McLean)

Possibly the best inclusive playground in the region.

• Colorful, enormous, and wheelchair-accessible

• Safe for little runners and climbers

• Free, but get there early—it gets packed

Real parent review: “My kid calls this the ‘rainbow park’ and talks about it all week.”

🧠 Easy-Educational Options for Guilt-Free Screen Time

Children’s Science Center Lab (Fair Oaks Mall)

Hands-on STEM stations for preschoolers to preteens.

• Open lab format = go at your own pace

• Rotating experiments and themes

• Bonus: Mall food court nearby

Marine Corps Museum (Quantico)

Wait, a military museum for kids?
Yes. And it’s amazing.

• Interactive exhibits

• Free admission

• Huge atrium to run around in if all else fails

🍦 Sweet Treat Stops (Because You Earned It)

Peterson’s Ice Cream Depot (Clifton)

Old-school charm. Picnic tables. Kid-sized cones. Done.

Duck Donuts (Multiple Locations)

They pick the toppings. They watch it get made. You win.

Bonus hack: Bribe them with a donut to behave at the museum. Zero shame.

🛍️ Weekend Markets with Stroller Space

Occoquan Farmer’s Market

• Local honey, fresh fruit, and baked goods

• Occasional face painting and live music

• Dogs welcome = more chaos, but more fun

Need a New Neighborhood That Actually Supports This Lifestyle?

Here's the thing—when families tell me they’re ready to move, it’s not usually about the house. It’s about the weekends. The schools, the playgrounds, the feeling of “we belong here.”

If you find yourself loving these kinds of outings but dreading the commute, or if the playground down the street is… a slide and a dream, let’s talk.

I help families move into homes near everything they love to do already. Less planning. More living.

📲 Reach out if you're ready for a lifestyle upgrade—not just a new address.

FAQs About Family-Friendly Things to Do in Northern Virginia This Weekend

What are the best free activities for kids this weekend in NOVA?

Try Clemyjontri Park, Burke Lake Park, and the Marine Corps Museum—all high reward, zero cost.

Are there indoor options for rainy weekends?

Absolutely. The Children’s Science Center Lab, library story times, and indoor playgrounds like Scramble in Alexandria are great picks.

Which towns are the most kid-friendly in Northern Virginia?

Fairfax, Ashburn, Gainesville, and Clifton are top choices—great schools, walkable parks, and lots of family-focused activities.

FAQs About GG Sfreddo

Who are you and why are you writing about this?

I’m GG Sfreddo, a local real estate agent and mom-approved guide to life in Northern Virginia. I help families find homes and communities that match how they actually live.

Do you work only in real estate?

Nope! I also help locals and newcomers explore what makes this area great—from local events to neighborhood vibes. Real estate is more than a transaction—it’s a lifestyle choice.

All The Right Moves

GG Sfreddo | Realtor® | Northern Virginia
📧 [email protected] | 📱 571-377-8777
🌐 MoveMeInVA.com
FB: facebook.com/GGSfreddo | YT: @GGSfreddoRealtor

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